AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

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Panik attack gives Crunch OT win

April 27, 2013

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Game 1 (OT)

(portlandpirates.com) -- The Portland Pirates took an early 2-0 lead, but the Syracuse Crunch came roaring back, tying the game in the third period and getting the game-winning goal from Richard Panik in overtime to defeat the Pirates, 4-3, on Saturday night.

Syracuse takes a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-five Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series, with Game 2 set for Sunday in Syracuse.

Portland then used one of their four power plays in the first period to extend their lead. David Rundblad found the back of the net for the Pirates’ second goal, assisted by Brandon Gormley and Jordan Martinook at 17:16 of the first.

Syracuse would close the gap during the second period. After a Maxim Goncharov holding penalty, AHL MVP Tyler Johnson got the Crunch on the board with 13:23 left in the middle frame. The Pirates reinstated their two-goal lead as Chris Brown slipped the puck through Desjardins’ legs exactly two minutes later.